Job Information
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Electrical Engineer for Hybrid Energy Systems in Boulder, Colorado
Posting Title
Electrical Engineer for Hybrid Energy Systems
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Location
CO - Boulder
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Position Type
Regular
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Hours Per Week
40
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Working at NREL
NREL’s 305-acre Flatirons Campus is the nation’s premier wind energy, water power, and grid integration research facility. Nestled south of Boulder, Colorado, and north of NREL’s main South Table Mountain campus, Flatirons sits adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and countless acres of open space and parks with stunning views of the Flatirons rock formations.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
NREL is seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer with a specific focus on microgrid design, analysis, and operation. This role is pivotal in advancing the development and implementation of cutting-edge, community-driven, solutions in renewable energy integration and hybrid energy systems, with a strong emphasis on microgrids and/or industrial decarbonization end use applications.
In this position, the applicant will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing microgrid systems within the context of hybrid energy projects. Their expertise in microgrid design will be crucial in creating resilient and sustainable energy systems that incorporate renewable sources, energy storage, and grid infrastructure. The applicant will also contribute to the research and development of novel power systems solutions tailored for hybrid energy systems. Their deep understanding of power systems will be leveraged to design innovative solutions that enhance system performance and efficiency to accelerate the development and deployment of these hybrid systems. Proficiency in power systems software tools such as PSS/E and PSCAD will enable modeling, simulation, and analysis of microgrids and power electronics components, driving innovation and achieving project goals. Join our team and be a part of the mission to advance sustainable energy technologies and shape a clean, secure, and sustainable energy future.
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates broad understanding and wide application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Microgrid Design and Optimization: Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of microgrid systems within hybrid energy projects, ensuring the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and grid infrastructure.
Microgrid Operation: Develop and implement control strategies, real-time monitoring systems, and DER integration solutions to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of microgrid systems.
Simulation and Modeling: Utilize specialized power systems software tools such as PSS/E, PSCAD, and others to model, simulate, and analyze microgrids, power electronics components, and overall electrical systems.
Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary teams within NREL to conceptualize, develop, and execute research projects related to hybrid energy systems and microgrids, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Documentation and Reporting: Document research findings, prepare technical reports, and present results to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of project outcomes and insights.
Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations throughout all stages of project development and operation, prioritizing safety as a fundamental aspect of the work.
Technology Evaluation: Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and methodologies in microgrid design, power electronics, and renewable energy integration to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Professional Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in renewable energy and electrical engineering fields, enhancing personal expertise and contributing to the overall knowledge base of the team.
Project Leadership: Take a leadership role in specific projects or initiatives related to microgrid design, power electronics, or hybrid energy systems, guiding project teams towards successful outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in systems engineering for power systems, particularly in designing and optimizing complex systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in systems engineering for power systems, particularly in designing and optimizing complex systems.
Previous experience in the electric utility industry, with knowledge of utility-scale renewable energy projects and grid integration.
Proven experience in electrical system design, particularly in the context of renewable energy integration and hybrid energy systems.
Strong knowledge of power electronics, control systems, and energy storage technologies.
Proficiency in simulation tools such as PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent.
Familiarity with grid integration and distributed energy resources (DERs) is a plus.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment.
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Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
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EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
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